By Ross Blouin

LeRoy H. Keihn, age 97 of Grove City, Ohio formerly of Medford and Somerville, Ma. died on April 23, 2016. He was retired as a Warrant Officer from the United States Navy, with more than 20 years service to his country and he was a survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Roy was serving on the battle ship USS Tennessee at the time. After his retirement from the Navy, Roy joined the Winter Hill Bank as a Teller and he worked his way through the ranks to become the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Winter Hill Bank in 1972 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1992.

Mr. Keihn, as he was affectionately known, was famous for his perpetual smile and buoyant personality. When asked how he was feeling he would always reply, “Never better” with a grin from ear to ear and a subtle laugh. Roy loved getting together with many of his friends for travel and good times and will always be remembered for his annual pool party and lobster feed with the Somerville Kiwanis and the many adventures that he would often lead. He was a man who loved the sea and always felt at home onboard a boat or ship. His dry humor, subtle wit and beaming optimism were his hallmarks. Not to mention his uncanny ability to win drawings of all types. If there was a charitable cause and chance to win a prize at a drawing, Roy’s name would almost always be drawn as a winner. He was, indeed, a real winner.

Roy Keihn left an indelible mark on the City of Somerville by building the Winter Hill Bank into a major financial force in the Somerville–Medford area and lending mortgage money to people who were trying to make a better life in the city. He helped many first generation immigrants and he was a mentor to many men and women in business, always ready to give his advice and support the people who he believed in. His active community spirit and financial support to the many community organizations he belonged to will long be remembered here in Somerville.

Roy Keihn was a Distinguished Past President of the Somerville Kiwanis, Past President of the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Somerville – Cambridge Catholic Charities, Chairman of the Somerville YMCA, Director of the Somerville Hospital, Life Member Fleet Reserve Assoc., Life Member Retired Officer Assoc., Life Member Pearl Harbor Survivors Assoc., Life Member Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts, 100 Club of Massachusetts, and many other organizations.

Roy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Alice “Boots” Keihn and is survived by his best friend and companion, Geneva “Jenny” Collins and many relatives.

Visitation will be held Friday from 3-7 p.m. at The Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144, where funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m.  Saturday. Interment will follow at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial gifts may be made to Mount Carmel Hospice 6150 E. Broad St. Columbus, Ohio 43213 or Grove City United Methodist Church 2650 Columbus St. Grove City, Ohio 43123 in his memory.